Winds of Valen — Guides
⛏️ Mining Guide
Learn how to efficiently mine ores, gain XP, and maximize profit in Winds of Valen.
Mining is a gathering skill that allows players to extract ores from mining nodes. It is essential for Smelting and Smithing, making it a key skill for progression and early-game gold-making. Mining becomes increasingly profitable at higher levels, especially with Mithril Ore and Gold Ore.
⚙️ How Mining Works
- Have a pickaxe equipped (having it in your inventory is not enough).
- Meet the required Mining level.
- Have sufficient Mining Power from gear to mine efficiently.
- Inventory has only 28 slots and ores do not stack.
- Banking ores allows selling or using them for Smelting/Smithing.
- Dropping ores increases XP per hour but gives no gold.
- Mining any ore has a chance to drop Gems (quality scales with ore tier).
- All players start with a Copper Pickaxe.
💎 Ore Experience & Profit
| Ore | Mining Level | EXP per Ore | Approx. XP / Hour | Approx. Gold / Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tin Ore | 1 | 15 | ~24,000 | ~1,600g |
| Copper Ore | 1 | 15 | ~24,000 | ~1,600g |
| Iron Ore | 10 | 30 | ~29,000 | ~1,900g |
| Coal Ore | 20 | 80 | ~73,000 | ~1,500g |
| Mithril Ore | 30 | 150 | ~71,000 | ~3,700g |
| Gold Ore | 40 | 350 | ~153,000 | ~24,500g |
| Gold Dust | 40 | 350 | ~271,000 | ~54,000g |
| Essence Geode | 50 | 550 | ~172,000† | ~21,900g† |
†Essence Geode's mining action speed hasn't been confirmed yet, so XP/Hr is an extrapolated estimate; Gold/Hr uses that estimate against the confirmed 70g stall sell price. Share real timing data and these can be firmed up.
📍 Best Mining Spots
| Ore | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mithril Ore | West Mine | Quick trips; only 3 Mithril Rocks |
| Mithril Ore | Elven Haven | Most Mithril Rocks; bank slightly farther |
| Gold Ore | Town 2 | Best gold location; close to bank |
| Gold Dust | Darklands | Only Dust location; dangerous PvP zone |
| Copper / Tin | Town Mine | Best for beginners |
| Iron / Coal | Near Forest Entrance | Low-risk, mid-level players |
| Essence Geode | Essence Rock | Requires level 50 Mining |
📈 Recommended Progression
| Levels | Ore | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–9 | Copper & Tin | Fast XP, low profit, low-quality Gems |
| 10–19 | Iron | Decent XP, low-medium profit, medium-quality Gems |
| 20–29 | Coal | Moderate profit, mid-level XP (buyable at Town 2) |
| 30–39 | Mithril | High XP & profit; cannot be purchased |
| 40+ | Gold Ore / Gold Dust | Very high XP and income; mine near Town 2 |
💡 Tips for New Players
- Always equip your pickaxe before mining.
- Remember the 28-slot inventory limit; plan bank trips in advance.
- Mining near a bank maximizes efficiency.
- Dropping ores increases XP per hour but earns no income.
- Focus on one ore type at a time for maximum efficiency.
- Upgrade your pickaxe and Mining Power gear as soon as possible.
- Pre-banking Mithril Ore saves time for Smithing later.
- Gold Dust offers the highest XP and income but carries PvP risk.